Mycology (fungal) isolate identification, set-up

TEST DESCRIPTION

Culture of mold or yeast isolates to facilitate identification. Growth and isolation of molds and yeasts on culture media is necessary for identification by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) and other methods.

Methodology

Solid and/or liquid media culture

TEST FREQUENCY & RESULT AVAILABILITY

Performed daily. The presence of a mold or yeast will be confirmed within one business day. Final identification may take ≥2 weeks depending on the growth rate of the isolate.

ACCEPTABLE SPECIMEN TYPES AND COLLECTION

A mold isolate submitted on solid media (preferably slant culture)
Patient specimens submitted for mycology culture will be eligible once a mold has been isolated from the specimen

SPECIMEN STORAGE

For mold isolates submitted on solid media, store and transport at room temperature (17–25 °C/63–77 °F). All culture containers should be taped securely and double bagged when submitted.

Note: If Coccidioides immitis is suspected, Category A (UN2814) packaging is required. Please contact the laboratory if Category A shipping supplies are needed.

SPECIMEN TRANSPORT

Shipping conditions should follow the temperature and time requirements outlined above.

REJECTION CRITERIA

Mold isolates that are non-viable
Mold isolates that arrive in culture containers that are damaged during transit or are not properly labeled with patient identifiers

CODES

CPT: 87102
LOINC: 580-1
Test code: 3910

TEST FEE

Refer to the current fee schedule.